The Vital Spark November 24, 2015

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1 The Vital Spark November 24, 2015 A Message From Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Jacob Thorne As we move into the season of Advent we do so with an anticipation, a building of the days and weeks, that leads to the birth of Christ. It s significant that we have to anticipate and prepare for Christmas. Preparation, patience, and waiting are part of the Christian journey. Our tendency in life is to move, to change, and to be something else as quickly as possible. We confuse our timing with God s timing. We forget that God moves slowly. And when we rush, rush, rush we often lose the true intention of what we are trying to discover. This first Sunday of advent, I will begin my third year as Senior Minister at Community. It is hard to believe that two years have passed so quickly. For the last two years, we have been in a stage of preparation. The first year of ministry between the pastor and congregation is one of a honeymoon both parties are on their best behaviors and forgiveness comes easily. The second year of ministry between the pastor and congregation is one of authenticity and realness the real person comes out and both sides (pastor and congregation) get to see who they are really living and serving with in ministry. Then comes come the third year. The third year is when the real work and ministry begins. We are preparing for a new phase of ministry and mission at Community. We are anxiously awaiting, even as we celebrate and engage the many ministries already taking place. This coming year, we will focus on being a church that is both missional and attractive in nature. Our mission focus will continue, growing both deeper and wider. And our Sunday morning services will become even more intentional in creating a worship service that is powerful and attractive. When people leave the church doors after worship, we want them to go forth feeling the need not only to serve God and others, but also to return the following Sunday. We are in a season of anticipation, and for this I give thanks. Blessings during this season of advent, Jacob Sunday Morning Schedule 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:45 a.m. Faith Learning 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship

2 Prayer Concerns Ginny Grubbs; Roger Boone; Beulah Nelson; Wil Gearhart; Kevin Ledbetter; Katherine Prescott; Ron Hollon; Bill Tichacek; Kathy Bumeter; Marcia Evans and sons; Paul Shabel; Jerome Dupuis, father of Rich Dupuis; Zoe Donsky, family of Sandy Schleusner; Brandon Hamm, friend of Sandy Schleusner; Elsie Orr, John and Lee Smith, friends of Chris and Gary Meier; Chris and Hugh Berry, mother and father of Christine Meier; Wilbur Bosecker, brother of Wanda Morgenthaler; Mike Radloff, son-in-law/brother-in-law of Leon/Linda Whitney and Susan McGehee; Sandy Runquist, friend of Liz Dupuis; Angie Hobson, friend of Sarah Walker; Judy Whitworth, sister of Kay Gauble; Jackie Lueckert, sister of Mike Cook; Dwayne Chadbourne, son-in-law of Ron and Linda Smith; Jack Snyder, cousin of Doris Sanders; Jean Landon, cousin of Sheryl Silvey; Jean, friend of Sarah Walker; People of Paris; Refugees in Syria; Tom Gray, Kevin Crawford, and Barry Kausler, all friends of Mary Gordon; Lipe and Behrens family; Scott and Brian Degitz-Fries. Remember those of our congregation who cannot worship with us on a regular basis: Jo Anne Brown, Jack and Nel Radcliffe, Lucille Pressnell, Betty Bremer, Ruby Garrison, Barbara Wood. Acknowledgements To our CCC Family, A huge thank you for all the cards, prayers, food and well wishes for the Trial that was last week. Your support was amazing. And after long days in court it was so nice to come home and just pop a casserole in the oven. Unfortunately, we did not get the verdict we wanted. While we struggle with that, we know God has the master plan for our lives and He will help us through all of this. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We felt extremely loved and supported through the whole process. Julie & Les Swaney Pam & Scott Welker and family Dear CCC, I am so grateful for all of the prayers extended on behalf of my granddaughter Katherine Suter during her pregnancy and also for my new great granddaughter, Lorelai Lee Suter, who was born earlier this month. Everyone is home and doing well. Sincerely, Mitzie Bryant A Thank You to my Church Family, Thank you, thank you to my Community Christian Church family for your prayers and many heartfelt calls and cards with personal messages during my recent physical illness. I received delicious food, had a personal shopper as well as several chauffeurs to get me to appointments! In addition, 2 carloads of youth led by Rev. Darla and Don Miller came over to rake and bag leaves in my front yard. They did a great job. Again, thank you. I couldn't have gotten along without you. Love to all, (Shoeless) Jackie Holt 2

3 Stable Ministry Corner During the October sale, many parents said that they bought all their children's clothing, shoes, and coats at the sale and didn't know what they would do if they didn't have this outlet for clean and like-new clothes. One mother said "where else could I get all the clothes, shoes, and coats that my children need for school for only $120! I am thrilled with this sale and appreciate all you do in our community!" Winter Intergenerational Mission Trip Mark your calendars! CCC will be traveling two hours away to Jacksonville, Illinois over Martin Luther King Weekend (January 15-18) to help build a new church! All ages are welcome; however the ratio will need to be 1 CCC adult on the trip for every 2 youth under 14 years of age. There are shower accommodations and we will be sleeping at Central Christian Church. We will be helping Lynnville Christian Church, which was established in 1833 by one of our founders, Barton W. Stone, to build a new sanctuary and community hall. The outside structure has already been built, so we will be working inside the structure. Warm clothes will still be needed however! Sign ups are in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Don Miller or Rev. Darla Goodrich. Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony Please join us as gather to celebrate Evan s Eagle Scout Court of Honor on December 5 th in the Wunderlich Center from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Many of you offered him encouragement, advice, or actually spent time working on the project alongside with him. His project took a long time and we appreciate everyone s patience and encouragement. Please RSVP to mcdurmont314@gmail.com so that we know how many to expect. We hope that we see many of you there! Mission First Dream Team Do you have a passion about CCC engaging in mission? Please join the Mission First Dream Team on Monday, November 30 at 6:30 pm for our second gathering as we discern CCC s particular gifts for mission, discern the needs of the community and prioritize mission ministry ideas for The role of the team will be to share and implement ideas as discerned through collaborative conversation with the Core Leadership Team. If you have any questions please contact Rev. Darla Goodrich. Hope to see you there!! 3

4 Sermon Titles, Worship Leaders and Greeters November 29 December 6 December 13 December 20 Sermon Title and Text Help Luke 21: Imagine Luke 3: 1-6 Here Comes the Son Luke 3: 7-19 All You Need Is Love Luke 1: Narthex Greeter 8:30 Pennie Anderson 10:45 Wanda and Jim Morgenthaler 8:30 Liz and Rich Dupuis 10:45 Deb Shabel and Brenda Richardson 8:30 Ruth Morrison 10:45 8:30 John and Kristina Houghton 10:45 Tracey Hammack Worship Leader Betty Quicksall Scott Douglass Howard Goodrich Leon Whitney Children s Moment 8:30 Rev. Thorne 10:45 Rev. Thorne 8:30 Jess Newton 10:45 Rob Brown 8:30 Susan McGehee 10:45 Steve Staicoff 8:30 Rev. Thorne 10:45 Rev. Thorne Elder 8:30 Mike Hartman 10:45Laura McDurmont 8:30 Darlene Goodrich 10:45 Deb Shabel 8:30 Cindy Herman 10:45 Rob Brown 8:30 Ron Newton 10:45 Molly Duncan Deacons 8:30 John Houghton Kristina Houghton Laurie Clifton Wanda Morgenthaler Alec Belue Ella Miget Mike Meusey Tim Vincent Shane Matzen Max Meusey (Youth) Mike Meusey Tim Vincent Shane Matzen Max Meusey (Youth) Mike Meusey Tim Vincent Shane Matzen Max Meusey (Youth) Deacons 10:45 Beth Bean Wendy Finch Beckie Jacobsmeyer Keith Boyce Andrew Boyce Mel Fairchild John Schlueter Les Swaney Sandy Schleusner Jessica Schlueter Anna Fairchild Mel Fairchild John Schlueter Les Swaney Sandy Schleusner Jessica Schlueter Anna Fairchild Mel Fairchild John Schlueter Les Swaney Sandy Schleusner Jessica Schlueter Anna Fairchild Sunday Morning Pastor s Class with Rev. Thorne Rev. Thorne s Sunday morning Pastor s Class will be using the book All I Really Want, by Quinn G. Caldwell, a the basis for their discussion during each Sunday of Advent. All are invited to come join in the weekly conversation. 4

5 Christmas Events at CCC in December CCC Adult Progressive Dinner The Adult Christmas Progressive Dinner sign up board is in the Narthex and ready for you to sign up with the food item you would like to share with the group that evening. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Jean Ann and Marlan Graham for appetizers on Saturday, December 5 th and will be followed by a stop at the church for salads and soups before ending at the home of Karen and Mike Grogan for dessert. Kid's Night Out Parents, on December 5 th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Children s Ministry is hosting a special evening where you can drop the kids off at the Wunderlich Family Life Center for a free night of pizza, games, activities, and lots of fun! You can sign up in the Narthex or Amy Hoover (ahoover08@gmail.com) or the church office to register. Christmas Eve Church Services We will be having a 3:30 p.m. service for families with young children or for the young at heart. This lively event will include contemporary music by the CCC praise team and band, as well as scripture and reflections on the holiday season. Childcare will be available in the nursery during the 3:30 p.m. service. We will also have a 7 p.m. service for those that desire a more peaceful evening for meditation. This service will include special music by Jimmy Spear on the piano and traditional Christmas carols. Adult Caroling for Cans Christmas Party On Saturday, December 12 th at 6:30 p.m. there will be an Adult Caroling for Cans Christmas Party at the home of Linda and Jerry Medlock. After caroling through the neighborhood to sing and collect canned food items for Circle of Concern, everyone is invited to bring an appetizer or dessert to share with the group for a fun evening of fellowship. God s Kids Choir Musical Please plan to attend the annual God s Kids Choir Christmas musical called Once upon a Christmas Light. It will be performed on December 6th at 4 p.m., followed by a reception in the Narthex. Chancel Choir Cantata The Chancel Choir will be sharing their Christmas Cantata with us on Sunday, December 13th during the Traditional Worship service. Please join us as we continue on the Advent Journey with this musical presentation by the choir. Shades of Praise Special Music On Sunday, December 20th Shades of Praise will have some special Christmas music to share with us during the Contemporary Worship service. 5

6 Helping Hands A new service is coming to CCC! Helping Hands will be a group of CCC members who would be willing to occasionally help other members who need to get to a doctor's appointment, pick up medicines, need a ride to church, etc. Members who sign up to serve will receive an when help is needed and all they need to do is respond if they are able to fill that need! You will have the opportunity to sign up on the attendance tab or you can Cindy Herman (cindyohlherman@gmail.com). We will be starting to serve the needs of our church family immediately so don't wait to sign up! Sacred Conversation Circles The first meeting of the evening Sacred Conversation Circle will be on Thursday, December 3rd at 6:00 p.m. in the Library. Our first day circle will be January 12th at 1:00 p.m. in the Library, as this smaller group has a few people unable to attend in December. The circles are designed for those who wish to experience a safe & sacred space to talk about challenging issues in our world and in our own lives through the lens of faith. So far 16 people of varying ages and stages of life have sign up for Circles. If you wish to participate in either an evening or day circle please contact Rev. Darla Goodrich. Looking forward to the conversation together! Disciples Women in December Thank you to all who contributed diapers and stocking stuffers to BRO this month. Our service project for December we will be collecting money for the minister's discretionary fund that helps those in our congregation that need some assistance. Priscilla Circle will meet at the home of Betty Quicksall on December 8th for a potluck dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to bring a Christmas ornament for the annual ornament exchange. On December 15th Rebecca Circle will meet at the home of Beth Bean at 9:30 a.m. for a Christmas brunch. Those who would like to carpool from church should plan to be at church by 9:10 a.m. Senior Citizen s Luncheon The December Senior Citizen s luncheon will be on Tuesday, December 8th at 11:30 a.m. We will have a short program about the history of some of our favorite Christmas songs, presented by Beth and Karen. We will follow that with lunch and table talk about Christmas songs. Please join us for these monthly luncheons of fellowship and fun. Please contact the church office if you have any questions. 6

7 Children and Youth Ministry We hope you will take a few moments, if you haven t already, to update your calendars for the following events which are planned for the children and youth of CCC. God's Kids' Choir will have just a couple more practices before they present their Christmas musical Once upon a Christmas Star at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th. Dress rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 5th from 9 a.m. to noon. Youth Group from 4-6 p.m. on November 29th. Youth and Children s Christmas Party on December 13th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Youth Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army - Friday, December 18th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a meal together at Steak n Shake. Blood Drive at CCC Dec 13 th from 8 a.m. until 12 noon is our last blood drive for the year. Please consider donating a pint of blood, sharing your gift of good health with others. Thanksgiving and Christmas times are always difficult times for the American Red Cross to obtain blood donations. Besides the business of the season, there are also more cancellations due to illness. Our goal is to collect 25 pints. Please help us achieve that goal. Please call Liz Dupuis with any questions. CCC Office Changes We are pleased to announce the addition of Julie Swaney to our CCC Office Staff. Julie has been an active participant in a variety of CCC groups over the past seven years. These include being a member of Shades of Praise, directing the new Junior Praise Team, Youth Sunday School teacher and serving as a deacon. Please join us in welcoming Julie to our office staff. Beth Bean will continue to be on staff as the church accountant. Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday The church office will be closed on Thanksgiving and also on the day after Thanksgiving. Urgent needs should be made by phone call or to Rev. Thorne or Rev. Goodrich. 7

8 Opportunities to Help others this Christmas Season Would you like to be one of our Secret Angels this Christmas? For our Advent project this year, the Disciples Women s Ministry at Community Christian Church has elected to be Secret Christmas Angels for 18 teen-age girls residing in two safe houses in the St. Louis area, plus six girls who have aged out of the safe house program and now reside in a transition house. The Girls, as they call themselves, range in age from 12 to 17, and are pregnant as a result of sexual abuse that occurred in their home environments. We have been deeply moved by their compelling story. When asked for a Christmas Wish List, the girls responded with only one item per girl one item! none of which was expensive or out of the ordinary. A wall calendar, a new sleep shirt, crazy socks, a book about Missouri birds: truly simple gifts. We have hung gift bags numbered for each girl and tagged with her special request on the display poles in the narthex. We invite the congregation to share in this special Advent project by learning more about The Girls, and if so inclined, to donate a small gift or smalldenomination Target gift card. You will be blessed by blessing them this Christmas! Ring The Bell for the Salvation Army In 1947 the St. Louis Division of the Salvation Army started the Tree of Lights Campaign collecting for those in need in the St. Louis area. This Campaign has since spread to hundreds of communities across the nation. Every December for over 25 years, Community Christian Church has participated in the Campaign by ringing the bell at the Schnuck s Market in Ballwin. This year we are scheduled to man the kettle from Saturday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, December 23rd. This is your chance to become part of a wonderful old Christmas tradition. You can personally have a part in feeding thousands of homeless people, providing toys to children, and/or restoring heat in the home of a neighbor whose social security check doesn t stretch far enough. Don t miss your opportunity to stand and ring bells at the Salvation Army kettle. Sign-up will begin on November 29 in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please call Ted Herman at Circle of Concern Giving Tree It's once again time to help a family served by Circle of Concern by purchasing Christmas gifts for their family. On Sunday, November 29, please take a tag from the tree in the Narthex, follow the instructions on the tag, and return the gift to church by 10:40 am December 13. If you have any questions, call Cindy Herman at Thanks for making a family's Christmas brighter. 8

9 623 Meramec Station Road Manchester MO Phone: CCC Office Staff: Rev. Jacob Thorne, Senior Pastor Rev. Darla Goodrich, Associate Pastor Julie Swaney, Office Manager Beth Bean, Staff Accountant Vital Spark Deadline for December There will be one Vital Spark published on December 22nd. The article deadline is December 17th. The Vital Spark is a publication of Community Christian Church. Our purpose is to encourage fellowship among CCC members and visitors and to announce upcoming events and activities. Follow us on Facebook Community Christian Church Manchester 9